Mallorca
Getting to know Mallorca by bike
Are you a professional cyclist and are looking for a place for a demanding training session with a racing- or mountain bike? Or would you just like to take a leisurely ride with your whole family on the city bike? No matter which level of cycling you are looking for, Mallorca has the answer. The island is a paradise for cyclists of all levels.
With 300 days of sunshine and varied terrain that ranges from flat plains to gentle hills to well-proportioned mountains, Mallorca offers something for everyone who likes to cycle. Apart from the excellent natural conditions, the beautiful island now has a network of 1250 km of cycle paths. Even many of the normal roads are well developed and have little traffic.
The relatively small surface of the island allows you to enjoy an array of diverse landscapes within just one day. In addition, no place on the island is more than 40 km away from the beach. So, you can be assured, a wet cooldown is never far away! What are you waiting for? In this article you can find the most important information about cycling in Mallorca. We not only show you the most beautiful bike routes for beginners and advanced cyclistsbut also tell you when the best travel time is and what you should consider if you want to Arrival should pay attention to.
The best time for cycling
The best time to explore Mallorca by bike is between autumn and late spring. Then it is not as hot as in summer. Nevertheless, Mallorca's sun offers a welcoming change from the gray sky at home. From the end of January, when the almonds are in bloom,Mallorca shows itself from a particularly beautiful side. We believe, the almond bloom in something we should all have seen once in our lives.
Arriving by plane
Bicycles must be registered with airlines as sports equipment or special baggage. The cost of flights within Europe is around 50 euros.The airlines have different deadlines. It is of course easiest if you register the bike directly when booking. There are a few things to consider for the flight:
- Adhere to the weight or size specifications
- Turn the steering wheel parallel to the tires
- Turn the pedals inwards
- Deflate tires
- Pack the bike in a bike bag or box
One the preparation is finished; you are ready to board the plan. When booking your transport from the airport to your accommodation, do not forget to indicate that you have a bike with you.
A practical alternative for those who would like to save themselves the hassle; Simply rent a bike in Mallorca.
Flexidreams. Treat yourself.
From family-friendly to challenging
Our favorite cycling routes
in mallorca
relaxing trip along the cost
Distance: 10 Kilometer (One way)
Duration: approx. 1 hour (one way)
Difficulty level: Easy
At ground level and always along the bike path, this tour of 10 kilometers can be mastered within an hour. This makes it perfect for families or beginners. In addition to the route, you are offered some wonderful views and refreshment stops.
The tour can be started easily from Palma. The cycle path starts at the port of Palma in Portopí. From there it goes along the sea, past the cathedral and Palma's city beach Playa de Can Pere Antoni. Finally, you get to trendy El Molinar, where pretty bars and restaurants invite you to linger.
From here the cycle path continues along the coast, passing the beach of Ciudad Jardín, through the beautiful Es Carnatge park to Can Pastilla. Once here, you can decide whether you want to take a break on the beach or in one of the countless restaurants. Alternatively, you can continue cycling directly along Playa de Palma to Arenal. The tour can also be done in the opposite direction and is short enough to cover both routes in a relaxed manner.
Via Verde - the green path
Distance: 30 Kilometer (One way)
Duration: approx. 1,5 hour (one way)
Difficulty level: Easy
The almost 30 kilometer long “Vía Verde” cycle and hiking trail leads from Manacor via Sant Llorenç, Son Carrió and Son Servera to Artà. The restored, disused railway line was opened for cyclists and hikers in October 2014.
The "Green Path" is mostly flat and therefore also suitable for inexperienced cyclists. It can be started from either side and leads through rolling hills past more than 20,000 cultivated trees and bushes. These include tamarinds, pines, mulberry trees and holm oaks.
In addition, the route offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean mountain landscape with its wild mountain pines and olive groves and of the rugged east coast of Mallorca. Those who don’t mind some extra effort to get a spectacular view of the surroundings can climb the mountain Puig de Na Penyal near Son Severa. It will be worth it.
There is also no lack of cultural sites along the way. These include, for example:
- the early Christian basilica Son Pereató in Manacor
- the Talaiotic settlement of Ses Paisses near Artà.
- Artà train station, where local handicrafts are sold
- the villages of Sant Llorenç, Son Carrio and Son Servera
As you can see, there is plenty to do along the Vía Verde. Information boards along the route provide you with info about the flora and fauna along the way and the villages in the area. Seven well-equipped rest and picnic areas invite you to take a break on the way.
Our beautiful partner hotel Pula Suites Boutique Resort is located directly on the Via Verde, so you can start in both directions from there. But even if you are not staying in the area, you can still cycle the Via Verde. Artà and Manacor train stations are easily accessible and offer bike rental facilities.
Rural Hills of Mallorca
Distance: 30 Kilometer (One way)
Duration: approx. 3 hours (one way)
Difficulty level: medium
The cycle route along Cap de Formentor is one of the most popular in Mallorca. The beautiful village of Port de Pollença, in the north of the island, lies at the foot of the Cap de Formentor. From here a winding road leads 20 kilometers to the northern end of the peninsula. Here you will find the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the serpentine road.
From here you follow the Passeig de Calvia, a beautiful pedestrian and bicycle path that runs through the whole of Calvia. Shortly before Santa Ponsa, you will find a traditional windmill, where you turn right and head towards the mountains. Here you can enjoy the fantastic views of the breathtaking Tramuntana mountains. The way continues through almond plantations and past traditional fincas, gardens and farm animals – this is the true rural Mallorca.
In Capdella, we recommend a detour to Bar Nou, which is popular with cyclists. After a refreshment, you continue downhill through the green landscape to Paguera. If you would like to cool off a bit, you can choose between three pretty beaches. From here you take the Passeig de Calvia back to Santa Ponsa. The route can also be extended to Port d’Andtrax or be started from there.
If you would like to take this bike tour, the best thing to do is to sleep in one of our partner hotels in Calvia, such as the Iberostar Grand Portals Nous, which offers bike rental, or the MSH Senses Hotel Santa Ponsa, where you can easily park your bike in the bike room.
Cap Formentor
Distance: 30 Kilometer (One way)
Duration: approx. 2 hours (one way)
Difficulty level: medium
The cycle route along Cap de Formentor is one of the most popular in Mallorca. The beautiful village of Port de Pollença, in the north of the island, lies at the foot of the Cap de Formentor. From here a winding road leads 20 kilometers to the northern end of the peninsula. Here you will find the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the serpentine road.
First stage
From Port de Alcudia the road goes past beautiful Alcudia, along the "Bahía de Pollença" to Port de Pollença. From here, you cycle uphill with a 7% gradient for the first 3.5 kilometers until you reach the viewpoint "El mirador de Sa Creueta". Here you will be rewarded with a great view of Port de Pollença.
Second stage
From here you start with a rapid descent before you turn left at the intersection. The road leads past Formentor beach and through a pine forest. Then you first reach rocky, rugged terrain and finally the coastal road. Soon an impressive 300-meter-long tunnel leads through the mountain. The road now winds alternately through trees and rugged rocks, sometimes with steep climbs.
But the view of the wide sea helps to distract yourself from the exertion. Suddenly, a winding road stretches in front of you, leading up to the lighthouse on the horizon.
Third stage
Enjoy the fast descent into a small valley before you take the serpentine road one last time up to the lighthouse. The charming white building of the Cap Formentor lighthouse was built in 1863. In the cafeteria you can order something to cool off, recover from your tour and let the impressions of the last few hours sink in.
Back to port de Alcudia we follow the same route. This also means that the two relaxing descents will now become demanding climbs. Shortly after your first descent, you can venture into the 15 percent ascent with renewed energy. The second strenuous part is the 3.4-kilometer ascent that leads back to the Mirador de sa Creueta. From here the route first leads downhill and then at ground level back to Port de Alcudia.
Are you interested in this tour? Our partner hotel Zafiro Palace Alcudia offers the perfect starting point for this route. It not only has a bike room with a workshop, but also offers bike rental.
Tramuntana coastal path
Distance: 121 Kilometer (One way)
Duration: Full day tour (approx. 8 hours)
Difficulty level: Difficult
This beautiful cycling route runs over 121 km along the west coast of Mallorca from Pollença in the north to Andratx in the south (or vice versa). It crosses the entire Serra Tramuntana, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With a height of 2690 meters, this tour offers not only challenging sections, but also breathtaking views of the island and is definitely one of the most beautiful bike tours in the highlands of Mallorca.
First stage
The first stage begins in the north and leads from Alcudia along the beautiful bay before turning left and reaching the pretty village of Pollença. From here you start the 400-meter-long ascent to Lluc, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the highest mountains of Mallorca.
Second stage
You begin with a descent, past the turquoise waters of the Gorg Blau and Cúber reservoirs, from where a winding road takes you to Fornalutx. Small cobblestone streets and historic houses give the village a reputation for being one of the most charming villages in Spain.
Third stage
The third part of the trip is filled with three of the highlights of Mallorca; The famous Soller is beautifully surrounded by mountains and orange groves, the landscape of Déia has inspired artists for decades and offers views of the sea and the mountains, and the monastery town of Valldemossa offers the best “coco de patata” on the island, a potato pastry that has gained notoriety in the whole of Mallorca.
Fourth stage
The fourth and final section of the route begins with a relaxed descent to Banyalbufar, a village that sits dramatically between the Serra de Tramuntana and the coast and offers breathtaking views. Then the winds itself through the village of Estellencs until you finally reach Andratx.
The Hotel Zafiro Palace Alcudia offers the perfect starting point for this tour, as does the Zafiro Palace Andratx, if you want to start from the other side.